Local Travel

Getting around in Dubai

By Road, by Rail, or On the Water

Dubai offers a vast range of places to see and things to do. And with its well-developed infrastructure, getting around to different destinations couldn't be easier. Local transport options include:

Road Transport: Cars, Buses and Taxis

Rental cars are available if you prefer to drive yourself. You will need an International Driving Licence, your passport and credit card to hire a self-driven car. Third party insurance is mandatory. Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road++ in Dubai; Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar.

Taxis are available for from as little as 3.60 dirhams (under a dollar). Drivers are trained to be courteous and helpful and are mostly able to speak English.

Chauffeur-driven vehicles can be arranged for airport transfers as well as to get around town.

Rail Transport: The Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram The Dubai Metro runs two lines across 45 stations. These stations are serviced by feeder bus routes which make it convenient to get to the major malls, landmarks and tourist destinations.

The Dubai Tram runs between Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh, operating every six minutes.

Water Transport: Waterbus, Water Taxi & Ferry

Dubai has a marine transportation option, which includes the Waterbus, Water Taxi and Abra Services. The Abra service uses traditional wooden boats fitted with motors. They are the most popular option used to cross the creek and are very economical at just AED 1.00.

The water bus service operates within the Dubai Creek as well as in the Dubai Marina. There are four routes for commuters. The boats are modern and spacious with a double hull design, which makes them safe and comfortable. They have luxury seating, afford panoramic views, and even offer on-board snacks. They run between 8:00 am and midnight. There are separate hop-on/hop-off waterbus services for tourists.

Water taxis are smaller boats, with a capacity of 11 passengers, which can be hired privately. They operate to 18 stations across the Dubai coastline and within the creek.

The Dubai Ferry is a sight-seeing service that runs round trips, currently from two stations at Al Ghubaiba and Dubai Marina.